KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 22 – The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) is organizing the internal Mixed Team Championship which starts tomorrow as part of the plan to ensure all players remain at optimum level.

This comes at the end of the 100PLUS National Youth Ranking Challenge Final Round which concluded yesterday.

According to BAM Coaching Director, Wong Choong Hann, the Mixed Team Championship will see the participation of 124 players – seniors and juniors, and where they will be divided into four teams.

The competition will follow the same concept or format as the Sudirman Cup with 11 matches to be held involving men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles, mixed doubles and three-team (3’s) men’s and women’s events.

“We are giving this opportunity for the younger players to play against the seniors with the hope that they can gain experience from this as a motivation for them to work harder.

“The combination of teams consisting of senior and junior players aim to give all players the opportunity to get a feel of a competitive atmosphere following the absence of actual competitions at this time.

“At the same time too, we want to build team spirit and form cooperation among the players,” said Choong Hann.

He added that this competition is not aimed at preparing any of the players for the first international tournament which has been scheduled to take place in January 2021.

But Choong Hann believes, through the training program and internal competitions that have been drafted by the coaching panel and BAM management at this time, it will ensure that everyone is on the same level.

“We are not worried about preparing players ahead of the competition in January 2021 because we have to be prepared for whatever happens.

“There is no need to worry about the current situation because if the focus is fully given throughout the training sessions, the returns will almost be the same as during competitions,” Choong Hann added.

The BAM Mixed Team Championship will be held from 23 to 25 November at the Malaysian Badminton Academy (ABM), Bukit Kiara.

The four teams are Terminators, Avengers, Transformers and Dominators with each team to be managed by a coaching staff.

Each team consists of 31 senior and junior players.

Full list of Players.v3

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 21 – Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) Coacing Director, Wong Choong Hann was impressed with the performance of several youngsters who took part in the 100PLUS National Junior Ranking Challenge Final Round at the Badminton Academy Malaysia (ABM), Bukit Kiara this week.

Thirteen of the best young players under the tutelage of Datuk Misbun Sidek, BAM’s Director of Youth Development, showcased their talent in the internal competition.

“Young players like Wan Muhd Haikal Nazri-Wan Muhd Arif Wan Junaidi and Justin Hoh showed a lot of enthusiasm and focus where they displayed their maturity beyond their age. This is a positive development,” said Choong Hann.

He said that the plan is to mix these up and coming youngsters alongside the older players as this will allow everyone the chance to continuously self-assess and gauge their level.

“To be a good player, age is not the main factor, but craftsmanship and the willingness to learn are more important.

“We do not know the potential of these players until we put a more formidable opponent against them. There are no limits to the development of potential and there is still a lot that can be improved and one of them is the physical conditioning and muscle strength where it requires a more long-term plan,” Choong Hann added.

He went on to remind the older players who failed to impress in this competition to get back to the drawing board and come up with new plans with the panel of coaches to improve on their existing training programs.

In the meantime, Misbun lauded the performance of his young chargers where they have achieved the target which has been set.

“Training during the Movement Control Order has inspired the players to perform at a different level.

“The level was already set on the first day of the boys’ singles when the young players overcame the senior boys. Every player won except Jacky (Kok Jing Hong) who lost to (Ter) Chun Long despite being in the lead.

From there, we can assess that the players are on track, they just need some further tweaking,” said Misbun.

He admitted that the boys singles are doing a lot better but there are still disparities in the girls singles and also the girls doubles.

Misbun hopes that given time, these new gems can be polished further through special training and programs for them to get on to the next level.

Meanwhile, Lee Shun Yang emerged champion in the boys singles after completing the final day of competition with a straight set 21-13, 21-10 victory over Wyman Goh.

“I already know his (Wyman Goh) game, so it was easy to take this win. But overall, I’m not satisfied with my performance because at the start of the competition, I lost to two younger players.

“But I did not think too much on that loss and continued to play my usual game. To come in first was unexpected,” said Shun Yang.

After five matches, Shun Yang shared 3 points with Wyman Goh and Justin Hoh but takes the top spot based on winning record after five matches.

RESULTS

Boys Singles

Lee Shun Yang – Wyman Goh (21-13, 21-10)

Ter Chun Long – Justin Hoh (22-20, 21-14)

Jacky Kok Jing Hong – Ong Ken Yon (21-13, 17-21,21-15)

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 20 – Eoon Qi Xuan kept her unbeaten record to confirm her status as the girls singles champion of the 100PLUS National Junior Ranking Challenge Final Round held at Stadium Juara, Bukit Kiara today.

In the final game of the girls singles, Qi Xuan showed her quality as she fended off a determined fight from K. Lethsaana to win 21-10, 21-18 for the title.

“The most important factor is that I won all the matches this week. I showed that I can control my mental approach, so as not to be too hasty for the points.

“But in terms of my position against the senior players, it is still far off as there are areas which I need to improve especially strengthening my footworks,” said Qi Xuan.

Youngster, Myisha Mohd Khairul finished the week on third in the girls singles after beating Tang Zhing Yi straight set 21-14, 21-10.

In the meantime, Justin Hoh recorded his third victory in the boys singles category after knocking off Ong Ken Yon 22-20, 21-10 to snatch the top spot where he almost assured of taking the title.

Justin is on the same three points with Wyman Goh who overcame Ter Chun Long 21-18, 21-14.

“Of course it feels good to win but I am trying hard not get stressed out on the game tomorrow. Even though I am the youngest player in the boys singles group, I want to prove to the coaches who had given me the confidence to do well,” said Justin.

In the boys doubles, seniors Lwi Sheng Hao-Yap Roy King confirmed their status as champions while another senior pair, Choong Hon Jian-Nur Firdaus Azman finished second.

In the girl doubles, Teoh Mei Xing-Yap Ling made it two wins from two matches to top the standings.

Mei Xing-Yap Ling were forced to work hard before beating Pearly Tan-Toh Ee Wei in three sets, 21-17, 18-21, 21-18.

“We managed to control our emotions well playing against the younger players. We played without any pressure and we were able to stick to the game plan which has been set.

“Our partnership is getting better since the first time we played together in 2018,” said Mei Xing.

RESULTS

Boys Singles

Lee Shun Yang – Jacky Kok Jing Hong (21-13, 21-10)

Wyman Goh – Ter Chun Long (21-18, 21-14)

Justin Hoh – Ong Ken Yon (22-20, 21-10)

Girls Singles

Myisha Mohd Khairul – Tan Zhing Yi (21-14, 21-10)

Eoon Qi Xuan – K. Letshaana (21-10, 21-18)

Boys Doubles

Muhd Haikal Nazri / Wan Muhd Arif Wan Junaidi – Beh Chun Meng / Goh Boon Zhe (20-22, 21-16, 21-18)

Lwi Sheng Hao / Yap Roy King – Choong Hon Jian / Nur Firdaus Azman (walked over)

Girls Doubles

Low Yeen Yuan / Valeree Siow – Cheng Su Yin / Goh Pei Kee (walked over)

Teoh Mei Xing / Yap Ling – Pearly Tan / Toh Ee Wei (21-17, 18-21, 21-18)

PUTRAJAYA, Nov 19 – The National Sports Council (NSC) and 100PLUS – Malaysia’s number one isotonic beverage have agreed to extend their partnership for a further five years.

The contract runs from this year through to its expiry in 2024.

As part of this substantial cash and product sponsorship, 100PLUS will be named the NSC’s exclusive Official Isotonic sponsor.

Following the partnership, the national athletes under NSC will be able to enjoy the benefits of consuming 100PLUS.

“Our national athletes are committed and train extremely hard, for long hours, to raise the level of their game. During competition, they push themselves to the limit in their quest for success. For these athletes, 100PLUS is the ideal beverage to help them rehydrate and recover,” said F&N Sponsorship and Activation Manager, Engku Isyamuddin Tuan Losin after a simple presentation to the Minister of Youth and Sports, Dato’ Sri Reezal Merican Naina Merican today.

He also stressed the importance of NSC’s youth programmes for the long-term development and growth of the national athletes.

“100PLUS has always supported development especially at grassroots and for national athletes, through NSC and KBS.

“NSC has worked tirelessly to churn out world and international standard athletes which is why we have decided to continue supporting them. We hope this partnership continues for many more years to come.”

NSC Director-General, Datuk Ahmad Shapawi commented that it is important for private companies to step up and support NSC’s development efforts.

“At NSC, we try and attract private companies to join us, not just because we want their sponsorship but we also want them to support our cause and get involved.”

Shapawi thanked 100PLUS for their loyal support to NSC over the years.

“100PLUS is our longtime friend and has been our partner. It’s impossible if we leave our partners who have always been loyal to us. And so, we decided to continue (with 100PLUS) with an improvement in the sponsorship package.”

100PLUS, which has been a sponsor of the NSC since 2000, is synonymous with supporting sports in the country.

100PLUS presently sponsors the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM). 100PLUS is also the Official Isotonic drink for the Malaysian Football League and the Ministry of Education League (Liga KPM).

In addition, 100PLUS also supports leading athletes including Datuk Wira Lee Chong Wei, Lee Zii Jia and Goh Jin Wei who are all currently 100PLUS Brand Ambassadors.

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 19 – It was Wyman Goh’s turn to shine on the second day of the 100PLUS National Youth Ranking Challenge Final Round when he defeated first-day leader Ong Ken Yon to surge to the top of the boys singles standings.

Wyman easily overcame Ken Yon 21-11, 21-17 in the morning session to intensify the battle against Justin as the three completed day two with two points each after three matches.

“My attacking play is still weak and these younger players seem to be playing without any pressure whatsoever. It has certainly put the senior players in a spot.

“My position in the group is still not safe and I will need to win my next match if I want to continue to maintain my position,” said Wyman.

Ken Yon remained on second position in the boys singles standings as Justin Hoh moved down to third following his 21-10, 22-20 loss to Jacky Kok Jing Hong.

Lee Shun Yang and Ter Chun Long are on fifth and sixth respectively with a point each.

In the girls singles category, the battle is no less intense as Eoon Qi Xuan and K. Letshaana showed their quality to stay top of the standings.

Qi Xuan scored her second win after two matches with a 21-12, 21-12 victory over Myisha Mohd Khairul as Letshaana kept close to the leader after beating Tan Zhing Yi 21-7, 21-13.

“There are still areas to be improved as I thought that my legs were still not strong enough and my body movements were still lacking,” explained Qi Xuan.

Qi Xuan and Letshaana will square up tomorrow to determine the group champion and runner-up.

“I hope I can play well tomorrow against Qi Xuan. I feel that she is much better player. But I will give my best shot,” said Letshaana.

At the end of the second day at Bukit Kiara, Myisha and Zhing Yi are in third and fourth place.

In the meantime, there was a surprise in the boys doubles when youngsters Muhd Haikal Nazri-Wan Muhd Arif Wan Junaidi bounced back from their first set defeat to record a 15-21, 21-16, 21-19 win over seniors, Choong Hon Jian-Nur Firdaus Azman.

The win saw Muhd Haikal-Wan Muhd Arif occupying the second spot in the standings with one point from one win and one loss – the same as Hon Jian-Nur Firdaus who are third.

“We did not play well yesterday but today we were more confident and focused.

“We just want to enjoy the match as best we can and also prove to coaches that we can beat the more senior players,” said Wan Muhd Arif.

Haikal and Arif will need to beat the pair of Beh Chun Meng-Goh Boon Zhe if they want to secure their position in the group further.

The classification in the girls doubles will be decided tomorrow when Pearly Tan-Toh Ee Wei square up against Yap Ling-Teoh Mei Xing.

RESULTS

Boys singles

Lee Shun Yang – Ter Chun Long (21-11, 21-6)

Wyman Goh – Ong Ken Yon (21-11, 21-17)

Jacky Kok Jing Hong – Justin Hoh (21-10, 22-20)

Girls Singles

Eoon Qi Xuan – Myisha Mohd Khairul (21-12, 21-12)

K. Letshaana – Tan Zhing Yi (21-7, 21-13)

Boys Doubles

Muhd Haikal Nazri / Wan Muhd Arif Wan Junaidi- Choong Hon Jian / Nur Firdaus Azman (15-21, 21-16, 21-19)

Lwi Sheng Hao / Yap Roy King – Beh Chun Meng / Goh Boon Zhe (21-7, 21-19)

Girls Doubles

Pearly Tan / Toh Ee Wei – Cheng Su Yin / Goh Pei Kee (walked over)

Teoh Mei Xing / Yap Ling – Low Yeen Yuan / Valeree Siow (21-10 21-17)

KUALA LUMPUR, 18 Nov – Ong Ken Yon and Justin Hoh sprang a surprised on the opening day of the 100PLUS National Youth Ranking Challenge Final Round when they won all their matches to dominate the boys singles chart.

Ken Yon tamed Lee Shun Yang 21-19, 21-16 in the morning session before scoring a second victory over Ter Chun Long 21-16, 21-13.

“I’m not thinking of anything else other than on the game. Of course, I take this opportunity to show my quality to the coaching staff.

“Personally, I think the senior players will be under pressure in this competition, so I just focused on my own game,” said Ken Yon.

Justin also displayed his form when he bounced back from a first set defeat to beat Wyman Goh 13-21, 21-17, 21-17 in the morning before closing the first day of competition with a 100 percent record with another three-set 13-21, 21-16 21-11 win over Lee Shun Yang.

“My opponent is three years older than me but I overlooked that and just played my own game. I wanted to prove to the coaches that I can beat the senior players. It is not easy to beat them but I will give my very best in the next few days,” added the 16-year-old Justin.

Ken Yon and Justin are on the same two points while Ter Chun Long and Wyman are ranked third and fourth respectively with 1 point each.

On the other hand, there were no upsets in the girls singles category as the senior players showed their prowess to subdue their respective opponents to control the standings.

Qi Xuan had no problem defeating Tan Zhing Yi in straight set 21-10, 21-8 while K. Letshaana also recorded a straight set 21-18, 21-17 victory over Myisha Mohd Khairul.

“My opponent is younger and she (Zhi Ying) lacked strength. I was determined to control the pressure in the game because I know that should I fail to take control, it will affect my momentum,” said Qi Xuan.

In the boys doubles, the pair of Choong Hon Jian-Nur Firdaus Azman and also Lwi Sheng Hao-Yap Roy King set the pace when they each won their matches.

Choong Hon-Nurfirdaus were fully stretched by young doubles pair of Beh Chun Meng-Goh Boon Zhe who forced them to three sets before winning 16-21, 21-15, 21-16.

Sheng Hao-Roy King were also forced to play three sets before beating Muhd Haikal-Wan Muhd Arif 21-17, 18-21, 21-18.

RESULTS

Morning session

Boys singles

Ong Ken Yon – Lee Shun Yang (21-19, 21-16)

Justin Hoh – Wyman Goh (13-21, 21-17, 21-17)

Ter Chun Long – Jacky Kok Jing Hong (21-18, 11-21, 21-19)

Girls singles

Eoon Qi Xuan – Tan Zhing Yi (21-10, 21-8)

K. Letshaana – Myisha Mohd Khairul (21-18, 21-17)

Evening session

Boys singles

Justin Hoh – Lee Shun Yang (13-21, 21-16,21-11)

Wyman Goh – Jacky Kok Jing Hong (21-19, 18-21,21-11)

Ong Ken Yon – Ter Chun Long (21-16, 21-13)

Boys Doubles

Choong Hon Jian / Nur Firdaus Azman – Beh Chun Meng / Goh Boon Zhe (16-21, 21-15, 21-16)

Lwi Sheng Hao / Yap Roy King – Muhd Haikal / Wan Muhd Arif (21-17, 18-21, 21-18)

Girls Doubles

Pearly Tan / Toh Ee Wei – Low Yeen Yuan / Valeree Siow (21-13, 18-21, 21-9)

Teoh Mei Xing / Yap Ling – Cheng Su Yin / Goh Pei Kee (21-12, 21-10)